BOARD DATE: 18 September 2014 DOCKET NUMBER: AR20140002132 THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE: 1. Application for correction of military records (with supporting documents provided, if any). 2. Military Personnel Records and advisory opinions (if any). THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST, STATEMENT, AND EVIDENCE: 1. The applicant requests correction of his DD Form 214 (Report of Separation from Active Duty) to show his social security number (SSN) as "XX3-XX-XXXX" instead of "XX4-XX-XXXX." 2. He states the incorrect SSN was recorded on his DD Form 214. 3. He provides his: * DD Form 214 * SSN Card * California Identification Card CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE: 1. Title 10, U.S. Code, section 1552(b), provides that applications for correction of military records must be filed within 3 years after discovery of the alleged error or injustice. This provision of law also allows the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to excuse an applicant's failure to timely file within the 3-year statute of limitations if the ABCMR determines it would be in the interest of justice to do so. While it appears the applicant did not file within the time frame provided in the statute of limitations, the ABCMR has elected to conduct a substantive review of this case and, only to the extent relief, if any, is granted, has determined it is in the interest of justice to excuse the applicant's failure to timely file. In all other respects, there are insufficient bases to waive the statute of limitations for timely filing. 2. The applicant enlisted in the Regular Army on 30 August 1974 and served continuously until he was honorably discharged on 3 February 1976. 3. A review of every document contained in his available military personnel and health records, many of which bear his signature, shows his SSN consistently appears as "XX4-XX-XXXX" throughout his tenure of service. 4. Item 3 (SSN) of the DD Form 214 issued to the applicant at the time of his separation also shows his SSN as "XX4-XX-XXXX" and this document bears his signature. 5. He provides an SSN Card issued by the Social Security Administration on 13 June 2013 that shows his SSN as "XX3-XX-XXXX." 6. Army Regulation 635-5 (Separation Documents), in effect at the time of his service, prescribes the separation documents prepared for Soldiers upon retirement, discharge, or release from active military service or control of the Army. This regulation establishes standardized policy for the preparation of the DD Form 214. It states that the complete name and SSN of the separating service member will be entered on the DD Form 214. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1. The applicant's contention that his military records should be corrected to show his SSN as "XX3-XX-XXXX" was carefully considered. 2. The evidence of record shows his SSN consistently appeared as "XX4-XX-XXXX" on every document in his available service personnel and health records throughout his period of military service. He authenticated his DD Form 214 and several of these documents requiring his signature by placing his signature in the appropriate blocks. 3. Based on the SSN Card from the Social Security Administration, his SSN is currently "XX3-XX-XXXX"; however, it is not the SSN he used when he served on active duty, and this does not change the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time his service records were created. 4. For historical purposes, the Army has an interest in maintaining the accuracy of its records. The data and information contained in those records should reflect the conditions and circumstances that existed at the time the records were created. In the absence of a showing of material error or injustice, there is a reluctance to recommend that those records be changed. While it is understandable the applicant desires to now record his current SSN in his military records, there is not a sufficiently compelling reason for compromising the integrity of the Army’s records at this late date. 5. The applicant is advised that a copy of this decisional document will be filed in his Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). This should serve to clarify any questions or confusion in regard to the difference in the SSN recorded in his military record and to satisfy his desire to have his correct SSN documented in his OMPF. BOARD VOTE: ________ ________ ________ GRANT FULL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT PARTIAL RELIEF ________ ________ ________ GRANT FORMAL HEARING __X______ __X______ __X___ DENY APPLICATION BOARD DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION: 1. The evidence presented does not demonstrate the existence of a probable error or injustice. Therefore, the Board determined that the overall merits of this case are insufficient as a basis for correction of the records of the individual concerned. 2. This action in no way diminishes the sacrifices made by the applicant in service to our Nation. The applicant and all Americans should be justifiably proud of his service in arms. _______ _ X _______ ___ CHAIRPERSON I certify that herein is recorded the true and complete record of the proceedings of the Army Board for Correction of Military Records in this case. ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140002132 3 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1 ABCMR Record of Proceedings (cont) AR20140002132 2 ARMY BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 1